All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh

Established in 2012 under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY), AIIMS Rishikesh is recognized as an Institute of National Importance. Located on the banks of the Ganges, it serves as a premier healthcare hub for Uttarakhand and neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Western Uttar Pradesh.

For 2026, the institute continues to lead in medical education with its advanced Trauma Centre, Ayush block, and specialized telemedicine services that cater to the hilly terrains of Uttarakhand.

AIIMS Rishikesh offers a diverse range of medical and paramedical programs. The most sought-after courses for the 2026 academic session include:

• MBBS: The flagship 5.5-year undergraduate program with an intake of approximately 125 seats.
• B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing: A highly competitive 4-year program for female candidates.
• MD/MS/MDS: Postgraduate specializations in over 30 departments including Cardiology, Orthopaedics, and Neurosurgery.
• DM/M.Ch: Super-specialty courses focused on advanced surgical and medical interventions.
• Paramedical Courses: B.Sc. in Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Anaesthesia Technology, and Perfusion Technology.

Admissions at AIIMS Rishikesh are strictly entrance-based. The 2026 schedule follows the national calendar:

• MBBS: Admission is through the NEET-UG 2026 exam conducted by NTA. Application forms usually release in February 2026, with the exam in May 2026.
• PG Courses (MD/MS/MCh/DM): Selection is through the INI-CET 2026 (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test) held twice a year (January and July sessions).
• B.Sc. Nursing & Paramedical: Conducted via the AIIMS-specific entrance exam in June 2026.
• PhD: Based on institutional entrance tests and interviews conducted in January and July.

Counseling for MBBS is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), while INI-CET counseling is handled by AIIMS Delhi.

Students at AIIMS Rishikesh often highlight the perfect balance between rigorous academics and a serene living environment. Key takeaways from recent student feedback include:

• Academic Rigor: The faculty is described as approachable yet demanding, ensuring students stay updated with global medical standards.
• Clinical Exposure: With a high patient inflow from across the Garhwal region, students gain hands-on experience in diverse clinical cases.
• Campus Life: Being near the 'Yoga Capital of the World,' students enjoy trekking, rafting, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps manage medical school stress.
• Hostels: Modern, single-occupancy rooms for most students with 24/7 high-speed internet and clean mess facilities.

The cutoff for 2026 is expected to remain highly competitive. Based on previous trends, the closing ranks for the General category are projected as follows:

Factors influencing the 2026 cutoff include the difficulty level of NEET-UG and the number of applicants opting for AIIMS Rishikesh over newer AIIMS branches.

AIIMS Rishikesh has consistently climbed the national rankings. For 2026, it is projected to maintain its status among the elite medical colleges in India:

• NIRF (Medical): Consistently ranked within the Top 15 medical institutes in India.
• Outlook-ICARE: Ranked in the Top 10 Government Medical Colleges.
• India Today: Recognized for its infrastructure and research output in the Northern region.
• Regional Standing: Rated as the #1 Medical College in Uttarakhand, surpassing state-run GMCs in Dehradun and Haldwani.

Medical placements differ from traditional engineering placements. At AIIMS Rishikesh, the 2025 batch saw excellent outcomes:

• Internships: All MBBS students complete a mandatory 1-year internship with a monthly stipend of approximately ₹30,000 (as per central government norms).
• PG Success: Over 70% of the 2025 graduates secured seats in prestigious PG programs (MD/MS) within their first attempt.
• Job Opportunities: Graduates are highly recruited by top private hospitals like Max Healthcare (Dehradun), Apollo, and Fortis, with starting packages for Junior Residents ranging from ₹12 LPA to ₹15 LPA.
• Government Sector: Many alumni serve in the Army Medical Corps or as Medical Officers in various state health departments.

While the tuition fee is minimal, several financial aid options are available for students in 2026:

• Central Sector Scholarship Scheme: For SC/ST students whose parental income is below a certain threshold.
• National Scholarship Portal (NSP): Access to various merit-cum-means scholarships provided by the Government of India.
• Institutional Support: AIIMS Rishikesh provides financial assistance to economically weaker students through its student welfare fund.
• Research Fellowships: ICMR provides stipends for students pursuing short-term research projects (STS).

Beyond MBBS, several other courses have gained popularity due to their specialized curriculum:

• Master of Public Health (MPH): A 2-year program focusing on epidemiology and health management, popular among medical and dental graduates.
• M.Sc. Nursing: Specialized tracks in Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Critical Care.
• Post Basic B.Sc. Nursing: For diploma holders looking to upgrade their qualifications.
• Fellowship Programmes: Short-term fellowships in Pain Management, Palliative Care, and Sleep Medicine.

The fee structure at AIIMS Rishikesh is heavily subsidized by the Government of India, making it accessible to all sections of society.

Note: Hostel fees and mess charges are nominal but separate from the academic tuition fees. Fees are subject to minor revisions for the 2026 session.

When comparing AIIMS Rishikesh with other top institutes, several factors come into play:

• AIIMS Rishikesh vs. AIIMS Delhi: AIIMS Delhi remains the top choice for its legacy, but Rishikesh offers superior, newer infrastructure and a less congested environment.
• AIIMS Rishikesh vs. Doon Medical College: AIIMS Rishikesh is an Institute of National Importance with much higher funding, better research facilities, and a central government degree, making it a preferred choice over state colleges in Dehradun.
• AIIMS Rishikesh vs. AIIMS Jodhpur/Bhopal: All are comparable in quality, but Rishikesh is preferred by students from North India and those interested in high-altitude medicine or a scenic campus.

The application process for 2026 is entirely digital:

1. Registration: Visit the AIIMS Exams portal (for Nursing/PG) or NTA portal (for MBBS).
2. PAAR Process: For AIIMS-specific exams, follow the Prospective Applicants Advanced Registration (PAAR) which involves basic registration, code generation, and final registration.
3. Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of photographs, signatures, and left-thumb impressions as per the specified dimensions.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee via Net Banking, Credit Card, or Debit Card.
5. Admit Card: Download the hall ticket usually 15 days prior to the exam date.

The infrastructure at AIIMS Rishikesh is world-class, designed to support both healing and learning:

• Hospital: A 900+ bedded multi-specialty hospital with advanced diagnostic labs and modular OTs.
• Library: A central library with a vast collection of medical journals, e-books, and a dedicated 24/7 reading room.
• Telemedicine: A state-of-the-art facility providing consultation to remote areas of Uttarakhand.
• Sports and Recreation: Facilities for cricket, football, basketball, and a gymnasium. The proximity to the Ganges allows for unique outdoor activities.
• Helipad: Dedicated helipad for air-ambulance services, crucial for trauma cases in the hilly terrain.

The institute houses over 40 functional departments, including:

• Pre-Clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry.
• Para-Clinical: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine.
• Clinical: General Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Dermatology.
• Surgical: General Surgery, ENT, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
• Super-Specialty: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurology, Medical Oncology, and Neonatology.

Medical students at AIIMS Rishikesh are encouraged to supplement their learning with online certifications:

• SWAYAM/NPTEL: Courses in Health Research Fundamentals and Biomedical Ethics.
• Coursera: Specializations in Data Science for Healthcare or Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University.
• WHO Open Courses: Certifications in Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Emergency Response.
• Medscape: Continuing Medical Education (CME) modules for clinical updates.

The faculty at AIIMS Rishikesh comprises highly experienced doctors and researchers, many of whom have trained at top international institutions. They are actively involved in:

• Research: Publishing in high-impact journals like The Lancet and NEJM.
• Mentorship: A low student-to-teacher ratio ensures personalized guidance for undergraduate research projects.
• Clinical Training: Faculty members lead clinical rounds, providing students with insights into complex case management.

AIIMS Rishikesh offers several digital learning initiatives:

• Tele-CME: Online Continuing Medical Education programs for rural healthcare providers in Uttarakhand.
• Virtual Classes: Integration of digital platforms for theoretical lectures to ensure uninterrupted learning.
• Webinars: Regular international webinars on emerging medical trends like AI in healthcare and Robotic Surgery.

Though a relatively young institution, AIIMS Rishikesh alumni are already making their mark:

• Medical Practitioners: Many are serving as specialists in leading government and private hospitals across India.
• Researchers: Alumni pursuing PhDs and fellowships in prestigious universities in the USA, UK, and Australia.
• Public Health Leaders: Graduates working with organizations like the WHO and UNICEF on regional health initiatives.